If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a kilim but don’t know where to start, look no further than Beyza’s Temple. With the aim of sharing the beauty and spirit of Anatolian culture, Beyza opened her store, the brick and mortar incarnation of her project “Wild Heart Free Soul“, in Kollwitzkiez in November 2017. Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior — once you open the door, you’ll step into a haven of vivid colours, patterns and textures. Kilims line the walls and floors while shelves display ceramics, crafts and traditional textiles that Beyza has been collecting during her regular travels to Turkey. The majority date from the mid-20th century and each one has been cleaned and meticulously restored by specialists in Istanbul — the full range is soon to be available via her online shop. Talking to Beyza is a pleasure; her wealth of knowledge is exceeded only by her passion for the craft, which she will happily share over a freshly prepared Turkish tea or coffee. She hosts occasional events in store with chefs, artists and musicians — follow her on Facebook or Instagram for the latest. (Text & Photos: Lucy Thorpe)
Beyza’s Temple, Sredzkistr.44, 10435 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg;map
Thu-Fri 12-18h, Sat 11-18h